Let's face it. There's no doubt about it. This material world is hell. We are being dragged by the laws of nature repeatedly through the cycle of birth, death, old age, and disease. In spite of all claims from the scientists that they are going to free us from these miseries, we see that the miseries are continuing for every man, woman, and child in...

Article Sent By His Grace Mukunda Prabhu – Pictures : Nayika Mataji *Guru Maharaj arrived on 31st August at Indore airport in the evening where quite a few young students and grihastha families came to meet him. He drove to Ujjain and later came down to the temple and greeted Their Lordships with his melodious [...]

I was master of ceremonies last week for our Annual Supporters Dinner, and also yesterday for our weekend Janmasthami celebrations. We have a large, high-ceilinged marquee that can seat one thousand people comfortably, and the large stage offers a very good view of the entire crowd. As I surveyed one thousand friendly faces at the annual dinner and the audience at the festival, I could not help but feel grateful for all the support that comes from our friends who provide both funding and hours of volunteer service. Without them, such a large project as Bhaktivedanta Manor could not function. With their support and help, it is an indisputable fact that the Manor has gone from strength to strength, and has succeeded in implementing at least some of the orders that Srila Prabhupada gave. I am very happy with that. There is so much more to do, that’s true, but we can see improvements year on year.

But my sense of gradual growth is not shared by all. I know that some devotees are concerned by the fact that the Manor has come to represent some of the changes within ISKCON that they perceive as unwelcome and a hindrance to spiritual progress. They are not in the majority, yet they are vocal. They say that ISKCON has changed significantly from its early years; from a membership of mainly young, idealistic and frugal western converts, to a diverse movement of all ages, from all walks of life. They feel that through this change the movement has somehow lost its initial spiritual potency, and perhaps, as a consequence, its appeal to young people. They argue that the original purpose and pioneering edge has been eroded, and we have gone from a rugged, highly committed campaigning group on the fringes of modern society, to a much more socially accommodated organization for the middle classes - an established ’religion’ even. This they find troubling.

In addition to this, somewhere along the way, during all the years of ups and downs, through all the meandering twists and turns that such a growing movement takes, we have attracted a huge amount of support from those of Indian background (or ‘east Indian’ if you’re in the USA). And when Indians come to ISKCON they bring with them, just as the western converts did, their cultural conditionings and existing religious perspectives, namely those of Hinduism.

Now, I’ve written about Hinduism before, and how its a generic, catch-all term that in its broadness defines nothing at all. Its a geographical designator, not a theological one, and was stuck on as a false label by both Muslim and British overlords in the days of invasion and subjugation. But now the label has stuck and most people of sub-continental origin, no matter what their particular religious affiliation, are quite happy to be regarded as Hindu, whatever the term means to them.

What devotees in ISKCON mean when they speak somewhat disparagingly about Hinduism and Hindus boils down to just three simple ideas. Ideas they find objectionable. The first is the notion that there are ‘many gods’ and that ‘all the gods are the same’. The second is that by religious ceremonies, morality and virtuous behaviour one can aspire to enjoy more sensual gratification in this life or the next. The third is that the ultimate state of existence is the soul’s merging with the divine, formless light known as Brahman.

Now these three ideas are also condemned as inferior beliefs by all Vaishnava schools of thought in India. Indeed, you will not find a great Vaishnava teacher, and certainly not the head of any of the traditional Vaishnava institutions, that will not have strong words about each of these notions. They are held as popular beliefs within other strands of Hinduism. But popularity does not mean they are true or in the best interest of the soul. All Vaishnava acaryas have consequently seen it as their duty to elevate mankind above those primary level religious ideas that are, in essence, selfishly motivated. The Vaishnavas want to help others towards selfless love of God, which includes the greatest and everlasting rewards for the true self . Accordingly, the founder of ISKCON also had strong words about such notions that were prevalent within the broad Hindu population. What is often seen, and what he spoke about, is that while on the surface many Hindus will vocally espouse the conceptions of selfless devotion of bhakti to Krishna, the three ideas mentioned above still lie just beneath the surface and therefore need to be addressed by robust teaching.

ISKCON devotees, as Vaishnavas, naturally feel they have a duty to carry out their duty to Srila Prabhupada by similarly condemning philosophies of life that he indicated as errors of philosophical judgement. And they also feel duty bound to convey the positive conceptions of Krishna bhakti as taught by all Vaishnava acaryas throughout history.

But they should also understand if Hindus residing in the west, brought up from childhood to admire and respect Krishna, are drawn to ISKCON. And if they come in their thousands because of the beauty of our religious services, festivals and shrines, that is certainly not a threat. What is a threat is if ISKCON compromises its theology, liturgy or governance structure to accommodate any one of the non-Vaishnava ideas identified above. Has that happened? I don’t know for every branch of our Society. I can say that it has not happened here. Could it happpen? Yes, of course. There is always a chance of ISKCON’s growth being compromised by any one of a number of factors.

So far as I see at Bhaktivedanta Manor, the reverse influence is taking place: our local Hindu community has been singularly affected by ISKCON and its message of practical devotion to Krishna; the very opposite of what is feared by some. New converts from ‘generic Hinduism’ to Vaishnavism are coming forward every year, and last year more than one hundred became initiated. During our last Summer Book Distribution Marathon – a core ISKCON missionary activity if ever there was one - over 70 participants were from Indian backgrounds. Our Janmasthami Festival, this year attracting some 70,000 visitors over two days; almost entirely staged by 600 volunteers who came every evening after their day’s work finished to give ISKCON an average of four hours voluntary service each. Then there is the considerable financial support: 400 major supporters and many thousands of donors, all of whom help to realise what Srila Prabhupada wanted for Bhaktivedanta Manor: the new agricultural land and driveway (£1 million), the new roof (£1.5 million), the new cow and oxen protection centre (£2.5 million), the new school, pushed forward by a combination of community involvement and central government funding (total £13 million) and many other projects, all of which help to establish the core activities that ISKCON’s founder identified as being essential.

We can never become complacent, however. Many is the religious organisation that was inadvertently, and gradually – sometimes over many years – profoundly affected by the divergent ideas of its members. Core values and foundational principles can be set aside for more pragmatic ones; policy making based on the founder’s wishes can fall victim to popular notions and more liberal philosophies or the process of modernization. Can Bhaktivedanta Manor’s outreach activities and considerable resources be more directed to the young spiritual seeker from a Christian, Jewish or Atheist background? As Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura termed them, the ‘fair-skinned English?’ Of course, more could always be done.

But we do not accomplish more in one direction of outreach by disparaging attempts in another. And far less is achieved by criticizing those attempts when they are successful, as they are at Bhaktivedanta Manor. To all those who would challenge that ISKCON has become ‘Hinduized’, I would ask: “What do you mean – exactly?”

Prabhupada: No, we... "It is voluntary. In our society we find so many brahmacaris, so many grhasthas. And if you cannot stop this itching sensation, all right, marry one girl and live peacefully like a gentle... What is this nonsense, every three weeks divorce? We are not so rascal. If we accept one girl as my wife, I take full responsibility. Because I require a girl or woman, so this woman, that one... We are not so rascal that at home I have got woman, I am searching after another woman, another naked woman. We are not so madman. The sex pleasure is there at home, and I am seeking after sex pleasure in here, here, in the club, in the... What is that? Is that vagina is different? You are so fool. You require vagina; take one vagina. Be satisfied. And lick it. Why you are going here and there, here and there, here and there? Even old man is going to the nightclub to lick another vagina. Is that civilization? You are proud of your civilization." Tell them like that. "Licking of the vagina, different, obnoxious smell. You are less than the dog. The dog likes to smell the vagina. You are like that. What is business of going another vagina? You require vagina. Take one and be satisfied. That is intelligence. First of all there is no need of vagina. But if you want, take one and be satisfied. Why you are searching after dog vagina, this vagina, that vagina, that vagina? Is that civilization?" Expose them like that. "Your brain is filled with so much stool, so we are washing it. What is the wrong there?" Adi-kesava: Actually they all need brainwashing. Prabhupada: Yes, "Every one of you require, because your brain is filled up with stool. You have no brain. Brain is covered with stool." What they will answer? Satsvarupa: That "If I want to have a stool brain, it may be lamentable, but don't force me to be washed. Prabhupada: It is not force. It is no... Satsvarupa: Let me remain in stool. Prabhupada: We are preaching. It does not mean that we are forcing. We are saying that "Your brain is in stool. Wash it like this. If one agrees, he does it. Not that in our movement all world has joined. One who is intelligent, he has agreed, 'Yes.' I am not forcing. If I would have possessed that forcive power, what right you have got to bring me in the court? You are forcing me to stop this. You are forcing. Nobody can force, but you are forcing." You should take this argument and expose them at least in the court, licking of the vagina civilization, like dog. Yes animals do that. Adi-kesava: I think the more strongly we preach in this way, that we don't try to give in and compromise... Prabhupada: No, no, no. Adi-kesava: The more that everyone will hear about this issue... Prabhupada: We must expose them, that's all. This is our business. This is a good opportunity in the court, so that it will be published. People will know what is our philosophy. Licking of vagina civilization, this. Publish. Adi-kesava: All right. Prabhupada: What they have got anymore, this Western civilization? Adi-kesava: They say that they are all actually in despair. They don't see any hope in the future. Prabhupada: This is their position. Hari-sauri: Their only hope in the future is that we'll eat trash, process trash and... Prabhupada: Yes, Gaura-Nitai. Is that argument all right, licking the vagina civilization? Prthu-putra: Great. Adi-kesava(?): Very bold. Hari-sauri: No one's ever talked to them like that. Prabhupada: But this is a fact. The old man, seventy-five years old, he's going to lick up another vagina in the club. This is your Western civilization. Adi-kesava: Sometimes in New York... You know we live right next to Broadway. The temple is right next to Broadway. Sometimes in New York we see old, old men... Prabhupada: And in France it is very... In France you have got. Prthu-putra: In France, yes. All the prostitution going on around the temple. Adi-kesava: You see even old, old men going to these clubs. Hari-sauri: If you can still have sex when you're seventy-five, then you're a great man. Glorified. Prabhupada: Just see. This is their civilization. In Paris there are so many clubs. The old men, they first of all pay fifty dollars to enter into the club. Then he selects which vagina he will lick up. Then another payment. I know that. (aside:) No, he can be asked to sit down there. Hari-sauri: To sit in the room. Prabhupada: Yes. Actually this is the fact. But they are fools. They still like to lick up new vagina. Exactly dogs. We are restricting that "Give up this business, licking of vagina," and they are seeking up to the point of death another vagina, another vagina, another... Which is better? If we say that "Give up this nonsense business," is that brainwash? And if it is brainwash, it is for good. What is this civilization, who is never satisfied? The same business is going on up to the point of death. Our civilization is: "All right, you are attached to vagina-licking. Do it up to fifty years. Then give it up." This is our civilization. "You are so much accustomed to the vagina-licking business -- up to fifty years, so long you are young. Then give it... Don't do it anymore." This is our civilization. And that also, after twenty-five years. For twenty-five years teach him, "It is no good business. Brahmacari. Remain alone. You have got so much botheration." If he's still unable: "All right, take one wife. Be satisfied. Lick up one. And then, at the age of fifty years, give up." This is our... Is that wrong? Satsvarupa: It's good. Hari-sauri: It's great. Prabhupada: Because unless you give up this business of vagina-licking, you'll have to be entangled in this body. Either as a dog or as a hog, as a human being or as a demigod, as a tree, as an insect, it will go on. In this way plead. Let the people understand what we are preaching. Advance this philosophy, widely discussed. Then our success. Hari-sauri: There's no question this will be widely discussed. Prabhupada: And... (someone enters) (Bengali) [break] Smelling the aroma, such a nonsense. Hari-sauri: As you say, just like dogs. Prabhupada: Hm? Hari-sauri: Just like the dogs. Prabhupada: Dogs and all animals, smelling vagina. They think, "Here is real pleasure." Hari-sauri: There's no need to move around, Srila Prabhupada... [break] Prabhupada: They're going for vagina and paying heavy toll: fifty dollars for entering the club, then two hundred dollars for drinking. You know this? Hari-sauri: Yes. Prabhupada: This is their civilization, vagina civilization. In Florida they go, Miami, to spend money weekly, five hundred, five thousand dollars for naked dance. You know that? Hari-sauri: Yes. So many places. Las Vegas. Every big city has... Prabhupada: And Brahmananda told me sometimes they see on the stage a fatty woman having sex with an ass. This is exhibited in Mexico. And they enjoy it. Hari-sauri: In Europe they have sex fairs. Prabhupada: Sex fair? What is that? Hari-sauri: You can go, and they have sideshows, men and women having sex on the stage at regular intervals, and they exhibit all kinds of contraptions that you can use to pervert your sex life even more. Prabhupada: What they will understand about this Krsna consciousness? Hari-sauri: There's not very much hope for them. Prabhupada: Help is for everyone, but if they remain stubborn to their own way of life, then it is not possible. They have to wash the brain. Otherwise it is possible. Hari-sauri: You explain in the Bhagavatam that everything actually is just an extension of the sex desire. Prabhupada: That's it. Hari-sauri: Their whole big cities and so much industry... Prabhupada: Yes. Hari-sauri: ...and work is just simply... Prabhupada: For the central point-vagina.

We were about to drive from Townsville, in North Queensland, to Brisbane, a distance of about 400 km. There is a big market in Townsville that I thought would be great for harinam and book distribution. But my wife felt a bit sick and wanted to leave right away so that we wouldn't get to our destination too late in the evening. I agreed with her proposal. So we set off with no plans to do books -- but Krsna had other plans.

I stopped in a side street to wash some fruit to eat on the way. There was a young guy sitting on a bench, so I decided to show him some books. He very happily took a Gita and a Dharma, giving a nice donation. Thus our journey began on an auspicious note. When we stopped on the way for some nuts and fruit, the shopkeeper took a cookbook. Later we stopped in a park to take lunch prasadam, some kichari and halava. We had just started our lunch when my wife said I should offer prasadam to some backpackers who had pulled in for lunch. They were not interested, but then I noticed two young men nearby, and when I invited them they enthusiastically came over and sat down for prasadam. We showed them some books, and they happily took a Gita and Cookbook for a nice donation.

After the backpackers had left I went to wash our plates, and I noticed a lady walking some dogs. I asked if she would like to try some vegetarian prasadam. She eagerly came over with her husband and partook of some kichari and halava. They also eagerly took a "Renunciation Through Wisdom" and a copy of Kurma's cookbook.

Finally we arrived at our destination. I had to stop at a gas station for directions to a friend's place. The lady behind the counter was on the phone talking about mashed potatoes for dinner -- how boring! She gave me directions. Then I mentioned that we had beautiful cookbooks which would leave her mashed potatoes for dead, and that we also had books containing solutions to stress. She said she had eaten our food at a lot of music festivals and loved it. (All glories to Braj Gauranga Prabhu and his team, who do the catering for hundreds of thousands of people throughout Queensland, and in fact all of Australia -- every year.) The lady enthusiastically purchased a copy of Kurma's cookbook, an SSR, and a "Renunciation Through Wisdom" all for $60.

Originally we had planned to just drive, but because we slightly desired to give people the topmost mercy in the form of Srila Prabhupada's books, Krsna made some wonderful arrangements.

When I arrived at Berlin temple I was asked to give a Saturday class. I was a little hesitant but then they suggested that I could do a presentation on the Polish Tour. I showed photos and films off the internet of our favourite festival tour.

And where would you go? A shimmering white beach? The summit of a mountain that touches the sky? Or maybe a holy village, a temple, or a sacred river?

But still, I ask you: have you really escaped?

***

I get out of the car and walk along the sandy driveway in the velvet summer evening. Light slants through the majestic oak trees, and Spanish moss forms golden canopies above my head. My mind whirs with a thousand plans and a thousand anxieties.

I reach the front door of a renovated barn and sigh. I slip off my shoes and enter a room with warm wood floors and saffron walls. I join the other students in front of the wall-to-wall mirrors and we fold our palms and recite prayers in unison.

We offer our respects to the earth, to God, to our guru, to the audience, and then we turn to the corner of the room to offer obeisance to the deity of Lord Nataraj – the Lord of Dance.

We begin to dance, and the room resounds with the rhythm of our feet. One by one, my thousands of thoughts drop away. My worries, daydreams, plans, schedule... my excitement, sadness, anger…

Everything.

When I dance Bharatanatyam, my mind washes clean. If I think about a single plan, even form a single sentence in my head, my hands slip, my feet fall off beat, and I lose my expression. It's impossible to dance and to think.

Every moment I feel the fire circulate through my body; I focus on every moment to bend, jump, smile, and shift my gaze. Just to breathe is an adventure. Every moment is alive. I am alive.

This is my addiction to Bharatanatyam dance.

Amazing how in life so often we want to escape the present moment into an other world.

But dance is an escape from my world into the pure and present moment.

"The same stream of lifethat runs through my veins night and dayruns through the worldand dances in rhythmic measures." Rabindranath Tagore

We were about to drive from Townsville, in North Queensland, to Brisbane, a distance of about 400 km. There is a big market in Townsville that I thought would be great for harinam and book distribution. But my wife felt a bit sick and wanted to leave right away so that we wouldn't get to our destination too late in the evening. I agreed with her proposal. So we set off with no plans to do books -- but Krsna had other plans.

I stopped in a side street to wash some fruit to eat on the way. There was a young guy sitting on a bench, so I decided to show him some books. He very happily took a Gita and a Dharma, giving a nice donation. Thus our journey began on an auspicious note. When we stopped on the way for some nuts and fruit, the shopkeeper took a cookbook. Later we stopped in a park to take lunch prasadam, some kichari and halava. We had just started our lunch when my wife said I should offer prasadam to some backpackers who had pulled in for lunch. They were not interested, but then I noticed two young men nearby, and when I invited them they enthusiastically came over and sat down for prasadam. We showed them some books, and they happily took a Gita and Cookbook for a nice donation.

After the backpackers had left I went to wash our plates, and I noticed a lady walking some dogs. I asked if she would like to try some vegetarian prasadam. She eagerly came over with her husband and partook of some kichari and halava. They also eagerly took a "Renunciation Through Wisdom" and a copy of Kurma's cookbook.

Finally we arrived at our destination. I had to stop at a gas station for directions to a friend's place. The lady behind the counter was on the phone talking about mashed potatoes for dinner -- how boring! She gave me directions. Then I mentioned that we had beautiful cookbooks which would leave her mashed potatoes for dead, and that we also had books containing solutions to stress. She said she had eaten our food at a lot of music festivals and loved it. (All glories to Braj Gauranga Prabhu and his team, who do the catering for hundreds of thousands of people throughout Queensland, and in fact all of Australia -- every year.) The lady enthusiastically purchased a copy of Kurma's cookbook, an SSR, and a "Renunciation Through Wisdom" all for $60.

Originally we had planned to just drive, but because we slightly desired to give people the topmost mercy in the form of Srila Prabhupada's books, Krsna made some wonderful arrangements.

Okay, that is some austerity that you perform for Krishna's pleasure. When you perform some austerity then Krishna becomes pleased and you derive some benefit. And what is the spiritual benefit ? The spiritual benefit is that Krishna becomes pleased and you make spiritual advancement. I am very happy that you all came and I [...]

"[The Vishnudutas to the Yamadutas:] Authorities who are learned scholars and sages have carefully ascertained that one should atone for the heaviest sins by undergoing a heavy process of atonement and one should atone for lighter sins by undergoing lighter atonement. Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, however, vanquishes all the effects of sinful activities, regardless of whether heavy or light.

"One should take shelter of Krishna-Balarama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose protective power is so great that it can not be equaled in the material world. However powerful the reaction of one’s sins, they will immediately if one chants the names of Hari, Krishna, Balarama or Narayana." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.2.16)

Good heavens! I forgot to set the alarm on my clock and did not wake up until 3:17 A.M. This means I get no rounds chanted before I have to begin my writing. This is an extraordinary setback for me. I'll have to chant my rounds later in the morning. I have no japa report to give.

I overslept and did no japa by 3:15. It is not a catastrophe but just means I have no early morning experience to share. Just yesterday a sannyasi asked me what was the part of the day I enjoy the most. I said I am not sure about "enjoying" but the most important is when I rise about 1 A.M. and begin my rigorous japa. I will look for that tomorrow, and there is nothing to prevent me from decent chanting later today on Labor Day.

Prabhupada, I'm well enough to give the class. I've got my notes and memories of things you've said. I can represent you.

Today, class is about the ten divisions of the Bhagavatam. The first nine are meant to set apart the tenth which is Krishna the summum bonum. I'll stick to what you've said.

These are farmers, but I want to tell them we all need to know the philosophy and that's done by hearing and repeating.

That's how Sukadeva and Suta Gosvamis got such perfect knowledge. The first item is creation. It doesn't come by chance: Life comes from life.

I will also raise the question, "Why not go at once to the pastimes of Krishna and the gopis which are sweeter than anything?" I have your answers and I have adopted them as my own. I don't want to jump over.

I will end the lecture by saying "What is Krishna doing in Vrndavana?" I'll sing the stanza you taught us cintamani-prakara-sadmasu … it's a window on the spiritual world. Krishna returns from cowherding, and all Vrajavasis strain to see Him, the boys tell what wonderful acts He did, and the gopis embrace Him with their eyes.

I'm well enough to give the class and sobered. Material nature can take away my power. Please give me this brief chance.

1. Pull down his statue. That was Saddam Hussein Shah in Iraq. It was happening at the time I wrote this, far away. But it was on the news. My poem is not about all that, but my own struggles. I am not aware of much else. I'll tell you what the poem means, although it's pretty clear in itself. It's inUnder Dark Stars:

Free Write

I turned randomly to Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.39-40: "Thus the devotee who worships Me, the all-pervading Lord of the universe, in unflinching devotional service, gives up all aspiration to be promoted to the heavenly planets or to become happy in this world with…anything related to the body. I take him to the other side of birth and death." In the purport Prabhupada writes that the devotee is conscious that he has committed sins in his past life. He prays to be born in the house of a pure devotee that he may get a chance to develop himself. But the Lord arranges for the devotee to be transferred back to Godhead just after quitting his body. The devotee doesn't aspire for liberation, but on His side the Lord excuses his sinful reactions so he doesn't have to return to another material body. That's what's explained in this purport. It is a significant purport with the emphasis on the Lord's power and will to bring a devotee to the spiritual abode. Sometimes we read of the devotee's point of view, that he doesn't mind if he doesn't go back to Godhead, all he wants is pure devotional service life after life. But here the Lord's position is stated, that the devotee is treated specially by the Lord's special mercy and is transferred to the supreme abode. It's a very encouraging purport. We might say this is the arrangement for the pure devotee and a mixed devotee has to come back again to the material world, but it's not worded that way. There are two points of view, the devotee's and the Lord's, and even if the devotee has given up hope of attaining the Lord, the Lord can still take him "to the other side of birth and death." That is the hope offered in this purport, that the devotee who has no material desires is taken to Krishna's eternal abode. We should keep this in mind in our progress. Mainly we should have no material desires, and you should want only to serve the Lord. Then leave your destiny up to Him. Pray for pure devotional service. At least in this purport, it's stated that if you think like this, the Lord will bring you to Him in the eternal abode.

The following lecture was given by H.H. Bhakti Caru Swami Maharaja on September 02nd, 2010, in ISKCON Ujjain. Śrīmad Bhāgavatam Canto 10: The Summum Bonumndash; Chapter 3: The Birth of Lord Kṛṣṇandash; Text 21

As I drove to the temple Thursday morning to celebrate Srila Prabhupada's appearance day I couldn't help but reflect on Iskcon's mission as given to us by Srila Prabhupada, which can be summed as the respiritualization of the world.

Srila Prabhuapda stated it this way in his mission statement for Iskcon, "To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world."

Iskcon obviously has a long way to go to realize its full mission.

And although it may seem ridiculous to even think about that as a goal given the state of the organization and its limited resources I think that is the line of thought we need to be take. That is the purpose of a mission statement, to help us guide our day to day actions so that we always keep our mission in mind.

And I would argue that because we haven't taken that seriously Iskcon has floundered, or has not made significant progress towards it goal. Of course there are many reasons Iskcon has floundered, most of which are simply sociological reasons connected with the fact that Iskcon is a new religious organization, and the specifics of the way the original members joined.

But now that the movement is solidly on its feet I think it is time to seriously consider Srila Prabhupada's vision and mission.

On Srila Prabhupada’s appearance day, I was chanting in Srila Prabhupada’s room in the evening. At 7.30 pm Jananivas Prabhu walked in and offered his obeisances to Srila Prabhupada. Apart from the caretaker of Srila Prabhupada’s room, there was only a Russian mataji in the room. Mataji spontaneously requested Jananivasa Prabhu to tell us a Prabhupada story. He kindly obliged and spoke not one but many stories stretching over half an hour.

Money is so dear that one conceives of money as being sweeter than honey. Therefore, who can give up the desire to accumulate money, especially in household life? Thieves, professional servants [soldiers] and merchants try to acquire money even by risking their very dear lives

I was in a grocery store yesterday. While I was squeezing avocados to pick just the right ones for my family's dinner salad, I overheard a conversation from a couple that had also picked up an avocado.

"Oh, these avocados look good, let's get some."

Then looking up at the price, they said, "Two for five dollars!" Dejected, they put the live avocado back and walked away from the vegetable aisle toward the aisles full of dead, boxed, canned, packaged goods where they can buy thousands of calories of poor-quality, nutrient-poor, factory-made, processed foods filled with sugar, fat, and salt for the same five dollars. This is the scenario millions of Americans struggling to feed their families face every day.

The odd paradox is that food insecurity--not knowing where the next meal is coming from or not having enough money to adequately feed your family--leads to obesity, diabetes and chronic disease. Examining this paradox may help us advocate for policies that make producing fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole other foods cheaper, while rethinking the almost $300 billion in government subsides that support the production of cheap, processed food derived from corn and soy.

At the same time, a Food Revolution, along the lines of that advocated by Jamie Oliver, a radical chef, can help Americans take back their table and their health from a food industry that has driven us to eat more than 50 percent of our meals out of the home compared to less than 2 percent 100 years ago. And most of those meals eaten at home are produced in plants, not grown on plants, are from a food chemist's lab, not a farmer's field. Cooking and eating whole fresh foods at home, can be cheaper, more fun, and simpler than most people think.

So I would ask you to consider: Have you ever made poor food choices because of cost? What is the REAL cost of this cheap food--the cost in dollars, on our health, on our environment, and even on the fraying fabric of our social and family systems?

This is what you need to remember:

1. The true cost of unhealthy food isn't just the price tag--in fact, the real costs are hidden. 2. Eating healthy doesn't have to cost more.

Sure, it seems cheaper to eat a burger, fries, and a soda from McDonald's than to eat a meal of whole foods, but there are healthier options. Let me review why the true costs of eating unhealthy food are hidden, and give you some suggestions that will help you save money and suffering by eating well for less. Poverty or financial limitations do not preclude eating well, creating health and avoiding disease.

Let's start by looking at how our economy and public policy are geared toward the production of cheap, unhealthy food.

Government Policy Supports the Production of Unhealthy Food

Unhealthy food is cheaper because our government's policies support its production. We're spending nearly $30 billion a year to subsidize corn and soy production. Where do those foods go? Into our food supply as high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated soybean oil (trans fats), that are the foundation of almost all fast food and processed foods that are "manufactured" by the food industry.

Since the 1970s--when our agricultural policies where changed to support corn and soy farmers--we're consuming, on average, an extra 500 calories (mostly in the form of cheap, artificial high-fructose corn syrup) per person.

Corn and soy are also used to feed cattle for the production of meat and dairy. In fact, 70 percent of the wheat, corn and soy farmed in this country is used to feed animals used for our food. The world's cattle alone consume a quantity of food equal to the caloric needs of 8.7 billion people--more than the entire human population on Earth!

So, when our government helps pay for these foods--well, of course they're cheaper! That explains the low price tag. But what about the OTHER costs to you?

The Hidden Costs of Eating Poorly

We all know that bad foods are bad for your health. It turns out they are also bad for the national pocketbook. For example, one expert has estimated that healthcare costs related to obesity are $118 billion per year. That's nearly 12 percent of total healthcare expenditures--and more than twice that caused by smoking! Seventy-two percent of Americans are overweight and over one third are medically obese. One in three children born today will be diabetic in their lifetime and the life expectancy of our population is declining for the first time in human history.

• Obese people account for a disproportionate share of health-related absences from work. • Obesity accounts for 7 percent of lost productivity due to sick leave and disability. • 7 percent of all of North Carolina's healthcare expenditures are related to obesity. • Obese people visit their physicians 40 percent more than normal weight people. • Obese people are 2.5 times more likely to require drugs prescribed for cardiovascular and circulation disorders. • Liposuction is the number-one form of cosmetic surgery in the US, with 400,000 operations a year. • Over 100,000 people a year have gastric bypass surgery.

According to a recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine (i), we're spending about $20,000 per person for each extra year of life gained from medical interventions like drugs and surgery ... as if that's something to be proud of!

That doesn't even take into account the $282 billion in costs resulting from medical interventions that go wrong--hospital infections, medical errors, deaths from drug reactions, bedsores, or unnecessary surgeries.

And what if that $20,000 per year was given to each person during his or her lifetime to support better nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management? My guess is that we would save trillions of dollars in health care expenditures on chronic disease!

As these numbers prove, the costs of eating fast, junk, and processed foods are often deferred until later. And that's the key point: When you go to McDonald's for a cheap burger and fries, you might immediately compare that lower price to whole organic foods which are more expensive in the short term. But the total cost isn't reflected in how much you pay for your meal in the immediate moment, it's the cumulative cost of what those decisions cost you over a lifetime.

For example, when you eat unhealthy foods like these, the costs of medical visits, co-pays, prescription medications, and other health services skyrocket. There are other non-economic costs of eating poorly as well. You reduce your ability to enjoy life in the moment due to increased fatigue, low-grade health complaints, obesity, depression, and more.

The biggest advantage of eating well now is not just preventing disease and costs later, but simply enjoying each day to its fullest. You can make that happen. Eating well doesn't have to cost more.

It's true that there are very few, if any, subsidies for the production of produce or healthier alternative foods. And the same government agency that supports the production of the ingredients for junk food provides less than $300 million for education on healthy nutrition.

But change is in the air. Dean Ornish, MD, has shown that a program to teach people to eat better, exercise, and learn stress reduction can prevent heart disease and reduce the need for heart bypass or other treatments. Insurance companies are starting to take notice as some cover the costs for that program. Paying $5,000 for such a program now, Medicare has finally recognized, is better than paying $50,000 later for a cardiac bypass operation.

A number of us advocated last year that a "health council" be established to coordinate and develop national polices that create and support health for Americans. This was part of the health reform bill and the National Council on Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health was created by executive order of the President in June. Drs. Dean Ornish, Memhet Oz, Michael Roizen and I, among others, have been nominated to be on a twenty-five member advisory council that helps guide the council. The council is made up of all the cabinet secretaries in charge of departments that in some way affect our health--agriculture, health, transportation, environment, trade, labor, and more--and will be chaired by the Surgeon General. This provides a way to influence national policies to support and create health--including our food and agriculture polices--for the first time.

The idea that you can save money by eating well is further supported by studies like the one published by the American Dietetic Association (ii) that shows eating well to lose weight is actually cheaper--or at the worst, no more expensive--than eating poorly! The authors of the study concluded that "adopting a lower-energy, nutrient-dense diet did not increase dietary costs over time. Consequently, cost should not be a barrier in the adoption of a healthful diet."

That's powerful evidence that eating well is not just good for your body, it's good for your wallet, too! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Four Tips to Start Eating Healthy for Less Today

1. Listen to Gandhi. Yes, Gandhi! He said that we should never mistake what is habitual for what is natural. Case in point: Some Chinese are very poor and yet they eat extremely well--small amounts of animal protein, with an abundance of vegetables.

2. Be willing to learn. We have to learn new ways of shopping and eating, new ways of ordering our priorities around our health and nutrition that supports our well-being, even if it is hard at the beginning.

3. Do your research. There are ways to find cheaper sources of produce, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean animal protein. You just need to seek them out. It doesn't all have to be organic. Simply switching from processed foods to whole foods is a HUGE step in the right direction.

4. Make an effort. Eating healthy does take more planning. It may require you to find new places to hunt and gather for your family. You might have to reorder your priorities regarding where you spend your money and your time so that you can make healthier eating choices.

1969 September 6: "These books are not very authorized. Why should you go to them when you have got Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam and Teachings of Lord Caitanya? Don't divert your attention in that way."Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1971 September 6: "Your ideas are welcome. They are all very good. Like when male and female come together child comes out. So if mind and intelligence are good then a good product comes out."Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1974 September 6: "Nowadays there are so many so-called spiritual masters it is bewildering. Therefore I have written volumes of authorized books which you can take advantage of in association with devotees who are practicing this knowledge. This way learn the science of God."Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1974 September 6: "Leader means spiritually not materially. We must have a solid foundation of chanting and following then one is fit to lead others. I hope you will understand this point. If spiritual potency is there, intelligence automatically follows."Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1974 September 6: "GBC means ideal Vaisnava. That means strict observance in following all the rules and regulations. This is your main responsibility. Then see to it that all others are following strictly. Then everything will be all right."Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1975 September 6: "We require the help of many, many young men like you. If you conveniently come and stay with me here in Vrindaban along with your friends, I shall be happy to convince you how this Krishna consciousness movement is so much needed all over the world."Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 September 6: "The procedure is described very elaborately in Bhagavad-gita. Krishna leaves behind His instructions so that in future people could take His help and guidance. But, if you do not accept His instructions, then how can you be happy?"Prabhupada Letters :: 1975